The American Ultrarunners Association's (AUA's) recently announced age
increase in their masters division does not effect the standard USATF age-groups
that are used for ultra distance national championships, age-group record
keeping, and awards. Masters ultrarunners will continue to be scored and
recognized in 5-year age-groups beginning with age 40 at USATF events and the
USATF Road Running Information Center, the official record keeper for long
distance running, will continue to keep records for the standard ultra distances
in 5-year masters age-groups. AUA's masters age division begins at either 45 or
50 years of age, depending on the race distance, while USATF recognizes masters
runners who are age 40 and over. AUA President Kevin Setnes' announced AUA's
masters age increase in the February 2004 issue of National Masters News.

AUA Masters Age-Group Restrictions Tabled by USATF

AUA proposed this change, that will be in effect only at AUA events, to the
USATF MUT Running Council in November 2003 inviting MUT to follow AUA's lead in
this area. MUT Chair Nancy Hobbs tabled the proposal, as it required a change to
USATF rules and the MUT Running Council was not convinced that there was any
evidence to support the change that would exclude masters ultrarunners aged 40
to 49 years old from awards, records, and recognition. Such a change would
adversely affect younger masters who would have less incentive to compete in
ultra distance races after they turn 40 or 45. "The negative impact of
raising the master's age would create a disincentive for older athletes to stay
active in their sport. A reason ultrarunners compete into their 40s is due to
the masters age-group awards and the competition within those age groups. I
really looked forward to turning 40 because of the new age group," states
MUT Council Member Eric Clifton, 45, a highly awarded masters ultrarunner.
"Having to compete with 25-year old hot shots for another 10 years would be
daunting."